Zuppa Toscana Recipe: A Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Soup

Introduction

If you’re a fan of Olive Garden, then you’re likely familiar with their iconic Zuppa Toscana. This creamy, hearty soup is one of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes, combining savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and earthy kale in a rich broth. While it may seem complex, this Zuppa Toscana recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home, allowing you to recreate the flavors of your favorite restaurant without leaving your kitchen.

Whether you’re seeking a comforting bowl of soup for a cozy evening or a quick lunch option, Zuppa Toscana delivers every time. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy the same delightful taste with the option to customize it to suit your dietary needs. From keto-friendly variations to vegetarian twists, we’ve got you covered. Moreover, this recipe not only tastes amazing but is also highly adaptable for various preferences. You can make it spicier, lighter, or heartier, depending on what you crave. Read on to discover how to make the ultimate Zuppa Toscana!

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to gather all the tools and ingredients necessary for making an authentic Zuppa Toscana at home. Luckily, this recipe requires simple kitchen tools and easy-to-find ingredients, making it both convenient and budget-friendly.

Tools & Equipment

To make Zuppa Toscana, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for browning sausage and simmering the soup to perfection.
• Ladle: For serving the soup easily.
• Cutting board and knife: To prepare the vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise measurements for the broth, cream, and seasonings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious, restaurant-style Zuppa Toscana:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Adds a flavorful, savory kick to the soup. Opt for spicy if you enjoy heat, or mild for a more traditional flavor.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The base of the soup, providing depth and a rich, savory taste.
• 2 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced: These absorb the flavors of the broth while adding creaminess and texture.
• 1 large onion, chopped: A staple for building flavor, adding sweetness and depth.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the soup with a rich, aromatic quality.
• 4 cups fresh kale, chopped: Adds nutrition and a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the richness of the soup.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the soup its signature creamy texture.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning essentials that bring out the flavors of each ingredient.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of extra heat in their soup.

Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, it’s time to start cooking. This Zuppa Toscana recipe is straightforward, with only a few steps to follow. By the end, you’ll have a delicious, comforting soup ready to serve. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Begin by heating your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and use a spoon or spatula to crumble it into small pieces as it cooks.

• Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
• Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pot to avoid greasiness in the soup.
• Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate for later use.

This step builds the flavor base of the soup, with the browned bits of sausage left in the pot adding depth to the next stages.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Using the same pot, it’s time to cook the vegetables. The onions, garlic, and potatoes will soak up the flavor left by the sausage, creating a delicious foundation for the soup.

• Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent.
• Next, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the pot, stirring them with the onions and garlic for another 2 minutes to coat them in flavor.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

With the vegetables softened, it’s time to add the chicken broth and simmer everything together.

• Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and stir the mixture.
• Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Add Kale and Cream

Now that the broth is rich and the potatoes are tender, it’s time to add the finishing touches.

• Stir in the 4 cups of chopped kale and let it wilt into the soup for about 2-3 minutes.
• Slowly pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring the soup to create a rich, smooth consistency. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, return the cooked sausage to the pot and give everything a good stir.

• Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired) to taste.
• Serve your homemade Zuppa Toscana hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if you like, alongside crusty bread or breadsticks for dipping.

Nutrition Score

For those who love to indulge in comforting dishes like Zuppa Toscana, it’s helpful to know the nutritional breakdown. This hearty soup offers a satisfying balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded meal. Below is the nutritional content per serving of this Olive Garden copycat recipe.

Calories and Macronutrients

• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g

Sodium Content

• Sodium: 850mg

This nutritional breakdown ensures you can enjoy your Zuppa Toscana with a full understanding of its nutritional value, allowing for easy adjustments if you’re mindful of your dietary intake.

Serving and Storage

Once you’ve made your delicious Zuppa Toscana, it’s time to think about how best to serve and store it. This soup is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides for a more complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Zuppa Toscana pairs wonderfully with simple sides that enhance its rich flavors:

• Crusty Bread or Breadsticks
• Caesar Salad
• Parmesan Cheese

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the soup in individual portions in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

Variations

One of the best things about Zuppa Toscana is how easily it can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences.

Keto-Friendly Zuppa Toscana

• Replace the russet potatoes with cauliflower florets.
• Reduce the cream or swap it with unsweetened coconut milk.

Vegetarian Zuppa Toscana

• Replace the sausage with vegetarian sausage or cannellini beans.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Spicy Zuppa Toscana

• Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
• For an additional kick, garnish the soup with sliced jalapeños.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Zuppa Toscana soup made of?

Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Italian soup made with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream.

What is the most popular soup at Olive Garden?

Zuppa Toscana is one of the most popular soups at Olive Garden, along with Pasta e Fagioli and Chicken & Gnocchi soups.

Does Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana have meat?

Yes, Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana contains Italian sausage.

Does “Zuppa” mean soup in Italian?

Yes, “Zuppa” translates to “soup” in Italian. “Toscana” refers to the Tuscany region, meaning “Tuscan Soup.”

Conclusion

Making Zuppa Toscana at home is a rewarding experience, allowing you to recreate one of Olive Garden’s most beloved dishes right in your own kitchen. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the tasty variations—like the keto-friendly version with cauliflower or a vegetarian twist—you’ll find that this soup easily becomes a family favorite.

Plus, Zuppa Toscana stores well in both the fridge and freezer, so you can have a batch ready for busy days when you need a quick, satisfying meal. Be sure to pair it with crusty bread or a fresh Caesar salad for an even more complete and flavorful dining experience.

Looking to explore more authentic Italian soups? Don’t forget to check out our other Authentic Italian Soup Recipes, like Pasta e Fagioli or Minestrone, to expand your repertoire of comforting, delicious soups!

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